Speech Following the Death of MLK By Senator Robert F. Kennedy

Which of the following best identifies the central idea of this speech?

• Americans should imitate the Greeks and turn to religion in times of tragedy.

• One must resist the temptation to blame others following a tragedy like King's assassination.

• Americans should respond to King's assassination with compassion and unity.

• Americans should use King's death to inspire others to defend their civil rights.

How do paragraphs 3-4 develop the message of the speech?

• The paragraphs explain the strength that is required to overcome a tragedy to make the listeners aware of the difficult future.

• The paragraphs make an emotional plea to the audience to honor King's legacy by avoiding violence.

• The paragraphs demonstrate that society cannot achieve racial equality unless everyone learns about why King died.

• The paragraphs introduce the idea that political protest is dangerous to explain that America is in danger of riots.

PART A: Which of the following phrases best describes the connection the speaker makes between Aeschylus' quote and King's death?

• Experiencing tragedy is painful, but it can teach lessons about love and healing.

• Tragedy makes many people forget what is most important in life, which is to be kind and compassionate to loved ones.

• It is possible to avoid tragedy if people are willing to learn lessons from the past.

• Tragedy cannot be avoided, but it can be used to tame the violent parts of the soul.

What phrase from the text following Kennedy's quote of Aeschylus best supports the answer to Part A?

• what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another

• a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black.

• But the vast majority of white people and the vast majority of black people in this country want to live together, want to improve the quality of our life, and want justice for all human beings who abide in our land.

• Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.

How does Kennedy use rhetoric to advance his purpose? Cite evidence from the text in your answer.

In this speech, Kennedy addresses the public following King's assassination. What do you believe is the most important lesson about tragedy that we can learn from Kennedy's speech?

Why do you think that Kennedy brings up his brother's assassination in this speech?

• To evoke sympathy

• To highlight the dangers of political life

• To emphasize his family's legacy

• To criticize his opponents

Kennedy discusses Greek qualities several times. Was this an effective strategy for uniting the American people?

• Yes, it was effective

• No, it was not effective

• It had no impact

• It was counterproductive

Riots broke out across America following King's death, though not in Indianapolis, where Kennedy delivered this speech. Do you think Kennedy's speech prompted a peaceful response to King's assassination? Why? What lessons can we learn from Kennedy's speech about achieving peace, particularly along racial divides?

What is the primary purpose of Kennedy's speech?

• To mourn the loss of Martin Luther King Jr.

• To call for unity and non-violence in response to the tragedy.

• To criticize the government for its handling of civil rights issues.

• To announce new policies for civil rights.